IPL 2026: Why Is Matheesha Pathirana Not Playing Today In KKR vs DC Clash?

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Luvnith Sisodia as a replacement for injured pacer Matheesha Pathirana for the rest of the TATA Indian Premier League 2026. Pathirana is out of the season with a hamstring injury, forcing KKR to adjust their squad.

Pathirana, a right arm fast bowler, was part of the KKR pace group this season. His hamstring issue has ruled him out fully. Sisodia will join KKR for INR 30 Lakh, giving the side another Indian wicketkeeper batter option.

Sisodia’s IPL & Domestic Background

Sisodia has earlier been in the squads of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He plays domestic cricket for Karnataka. The left-hand batter also keeps wickets, which adds balance and depth to the KKR squad options.

Sisodia has played 15 T20 matches in domestic cricket so far. He has scored 124 runs in those games. His main role will be as a wicketkeeper batter, and he offers squad cover as KKR deal with Pathirana’s injury absence this season.

Why Is Matheesha Pathirana Not Playing?

Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, dealing a significant blow to the Kolkata Knight Riders during the crucial final phase of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan pacer’s campaign was marred by injuries from the outset. After being picked up by KKR for a hefty ₹18 crore in the auction, Pathirana was expected to play a key role in the team’s bowling attack. However, a left calf injury sustained during the T20 World Cup delayed his debut, forcing him to miss the initial part of the IPL season.

Pathirana eventually made his long-awaited return in KKR’s clash against the Gujarat Titans. But his comeback proved short-lived. The right-arm quick managed to bowl just 1.2 overs before experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring, prompting him to leave the field mid-spell.

Subsequent assessments confirmed that the injury was serious enough to end his IPL 2026 campaign prematurely. The recurrence of fitness issues has raised concerns over the young pacer’s workload and recovery, especially given his importance in franchise and international cricket.